Were you aware that the Library has two specialized databases that contain subject specific encyclopedias? You can find the databases Gale Virtual Reference and CREDOreference listed under the Databases A-Z link on the Library’s home page. So why would you want to use subject specific encyclopedias when all you hear is that you need peer-reviewed resources for your coursework and papers?

Well here are a couple of reasons:

If you are having trouble understanding concepts in a textbook, or in an article, you may want to look them up in these encyclopedias to get a brief overview of the topic. The articles in these subject specific encyclopedias are very often written by experts in the field and may help you to further understand the concept/topic.

If you are starting a search in the Library databases and not getting results, or even before you start searching you may want to review your topic in one of these encyclopedias. You can often get ideas for alternative search terms or ways to describe your topic by reading these brief articles.

So the next time you are struggling to understand a concept or find articles on a topic check out one of these databases of specialized encyclopedias to see if they can help move you forward with your research!